German Industrial Output Unexpectedly Declined in January

German industrial output fell unexpectedly in January, following a significant increase in the previous month’s reading, data released on Monday showed, predicting a weak start to the year for the manufacturing sector in Europe’s largest economy.

Figures released by the Federal Statistics Office show a decline in output in the industrial sector, including construction and energy, by 2.5% compared to the previous month. A Reuters poll had forecast a 0.2% increase.

The office revised the December figure to 1.9% growth instead of unchanged in the previous reading.